AUTHENTIC VIETNAM – Nature & Culture

(13 DAYS, 12 NIGHTS)

HANOI: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK - HALONG: CAT BA NATIONAL PARK - HO CHI MINH CITY: CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK

Description

The tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia are home to some of the world’s most exotic landscapes, fauna and flora. With ten endemic species of birds to see among other things in Vietnam, this journey will mark you forever. Not only are the natural sites worthwhile, the trip’s rewards include the cultural insight you will get into the many historical sites and cities you’ll visit across the country, from north to south. While accommodation in the countryside can be basic, and conditions in the damp tropical forests can be far from comfortable, it will definitely be a rewarding experience for those who care for the environment. The trip should be made in the dry season from late October to late May. Anyone who is physically fit can join the tour.

Highlights

• Bird-watching in four national parks: Cuc Phuong, Cat Ba and Nam Cat Tien
• Trek in pristine protected areas while exploring and discovering rare plants and species
• Junk (boat cruise) across Vietnam’s most stunning World Heritage site, Halong Bay
• Discover and taste the freshest and finest Vietnamese seafood
• Meet with locals and discover the true traditional values of Vietnam
• Travel by cyclo through the old quarter of Hanoi - absorbing the endless bustle of activity
• Enjoy a water puppet theatrical show depicting agricultural traditions from the first millennium
• Visit the most significant monuments of Vietnam’s imperial dynasties
• Explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic heart of Vietnam.

Program

Board a junk in Halong bay...

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city of tree-lined streets and centuries-old temples. Pick up and transfer to a hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2. Hanoi - Cuc Phuong National Park

The morning sightseeing tour features both cultural and historical highlights, comprising the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology Museum, the old quarters and a pedicab ride (1 hour). In the afternoon, transfer to Cuc Phuong (120km) across fascinating countryside of the Red River Delta. Cuc Phuong National Park is home to 2,000 species of flora, 1,800 species of insects, 320 species of birds, 70 species of mammals, etc. Overnight in Cuc Phuong.

Day 3. Cuc Phuong National Park

Escorted by a park guide, depart for a full-day trek to see giant trees of 50m (164 feet) high. Transfer by car to the park centre (20km), stop by a prehistoric cave and the Vu Huong tree (Cinamomum balansae) en route. Take a trek (6km) to the 1,000-year-old tree (Terminalia myriocarapa) on a scenic trail. Have a picnic lunch at the park centre. In the afternoon, continue to trek (8km) to the Dang tree (Tetrameles nudiflora) on a steep trail through a dense jungle. Overnight in Cuc Phuong.

Day 4. Cuc Phuong National Park - Hanoi

In the morning, visit the park museum, the botanical garden with a collection of 252 species of rare plants and the endangered primate rescue centre, followed by a seminar on primate rescue. In the afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi. The day ends with a water puppet show, a theatrical genre reflecting the agricultural civilization of thousands of years ago. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5. Hanoi – Hai Phong - Cat Ba

Depart for Hai Phong (100km) via a newly built road. Hai Phong serves as the primary seaport of the country. Have lunch en route. On arrival to Hai Phong, board a speed hydrofoil to Cat Ba island (1 hour). Once in Cat Ba, check in a hotel or beach resort and enjoy free time for the optional kayaking and swimming at sunset around some nearby islets.
Overnight in Cat Ba Island.

Note: Kayaking are optional and not included in the trip cost

Day 6. Cat Ba – Halong

In the morning, drive to the center of the island and trek (45 minutes) to the mountains to observe the stunning views of unspoiled nature emerging form Cat Ba National Park. Transfer to the pier and take boat trip to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, transfer to overnight cruise. At mid-day, the cruise starts sailing on Ha Long Bay passing by scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Coc Mountain and a floating village. A Vietnamese buffet lunch is served on board. En route, visitors will enjoy the view from the sun desk, or relax with a professional massage before the cruise anchors near Trinh Nu & Hang Trong caves for the night stay. During the afternoon, swimming or kayaking activities are proposed. A Vietnamese buffet dinner is served in the elegant dining room.
Overnight on board.

Note: Kayaking and massasge services are optional and not included in the trip cost

Day 7. Halong bay - Hanoi

Attend a Tai Chi course in the early morning or watch a fabulous sunrise. The cruise then sails again through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay heading for the shore. Check out of your cabin after breakfast and transfer back to Hanoi. On the way to Hanoi, visit Bat Trang pottery village. Escorted by a local porter guide, visitors will be thrilled by the sights and sounds of the kilns, explore generation-to-generation pottery techniques and get to know the potters’ daily life.
Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 8. HANOI – HO CHI MINH CITY

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Saigon. Pick up and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Cho Lon, Binh Tay Markets and discover Giac Lam Pagoda, considered to be the oldest in the city. Stop then at lacquer ware factory.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 9. HO CHI MINH CITY - CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK

Drive to Cat Tien National Park, 170km from Ho Chi Minh City. An incredible diversity of birds and mammals live in the forest and wetland habitats of Nam Cat Tien, including an estimated 230 species of birds. Endangered birds to be found here include White-winged Duck, White-shouldered Ibis, Germains Peacock-Pheasant, Green Peafowl and the very elusive Orange-necked Partridge. Mammal species found in the park include Indochinese Tiger, Asian Elephant and the last surviving Annamese Rhino, a sub species of the Javan Rhino, although you would have to be extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of any of these. Wild boar, several species of deer and the rare Duoc Langur and Crested Gibbon are sometimes seen. The afternoon is spent birding along the road from the park headquarters.
Overnight in Cat Tien National Park.

DAY 10. CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK

Another early start for the 6km walk through forest to Crocodile Lake. Species that can be seen here include Green Peafowl by Crocodile Lake in the early morning or late afternoon, Bronze-winged Jacana, Lesser Adjutant and Purple Heron. In the forest look out for Red and Black and Banded Broadbill, Orange-breasted Trogon and Pale-headed Woodpecker amongst others.
Overnight in Cat Tien National Park.

DAY 11. CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK – HO CHI MINH CITY

A final morning of birding along the headquarters road where green-eared, blue-eared and lineated barbet can be seen perched high up in roadside trees. Leave for Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, take a brief sightseeing tour in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon. It features the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Opera House, City Hall, and History Museum.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 12. AROUND HO CHI MINH CITY

Enjoy a free day on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 13. DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY